North, south, east,
and west did this noble people dwell, doing homage to many chiefs.
But one blue morning after a great battle the Dedannans met on a wide
plain to choose a King. 'Let us,' they said, 'have one King over all. Let
us no longer have many rulers.'
Forth from among the Princes rose five well fitted to wield a sceptre and
to wear a crown, yet most royal stood Bove Derg and Lir. And forth did the
five chiefs wander, that the Dedannan folk might freely say to whom they
would most gladly do homage as King.
Not far did they roam, for soon there arose a great cry, 'Bove Derg is
King. Bove Derg is King.' And all were glad, save Lir.
But Lir was angry, and he left the plain where the Dedannan people were,
taking leave of none, and doing Bove Derg no reverence. For jealousy
filled the heart of Lir.
Then were the Dedannans wroth, and a hundred swords were unsheathed and
flashed in the sunlight on the plain. 'We go to slay Lir who doeth not
homage to our King and regardeth not the choice of the people.'
But wise and generous was Bove Derg, and he bade the warriors do no hurt
to the offended Prince.
For long years did Lir live in discontent, yielding obedience to none. But
at length a great sorrow fell upon him, for his wife, who was dear unto
him, died, and she had been ill but three days. Loudly did he lament her
death, and heavy was his heart with sorrow.
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